Cabin camping near Barre, Vermont offers visitors access to the state's abundant Green Mountain wilderness areas, typically located between 800 and 2,000 feet elevation. Most cabins in the region have limited cell service and provide rustic accommodations within driving distance of local swimming holes and hiking trails. Water access varies by location with Ricker Pond and Waterbury Reservoir serving as popular water recreation destinations for cabin campers.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing on Ricker Pond: Ricker Pond State Park Campground features a motor-free pond perfect for paddling. "The pond is serene and a great place to swim, paddle, explore, and fish. If you paddle or swim to the other side of the camp ground, there is a huge rock with a rope swing," reports Hannah H.
Hiking on multiple trails: Little River State Park Campground offers access to several hiking trails with historic features. "The hiking trails are really good—actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," notes Rita M.
Mountain biking at nearby networks: Cabin campers can access mountain bike trails near Barre and Millstone. "The area is a hiking and gravel biking hot bed. The 'Ride the Ridges' gravel ride passes the property, so you can do the course from there," explains one visitor to Art and Health Chill Camping.
Swimming in the Lamoille River: During summer months, the Lamoille River provides swimming and tubing opportunities. "You can rent kayaks and tubes from the store or bring your own and float down the river. There are multiple spots where you can put in and float down a little ways," according to Nancy W.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground offers well-spaced cabin and tent sites. "Campsites are well spaced. Some of the campsites on the outside ring you need to walk into (a very short distance), but it makes it feel very secluded and less like car camping," notes Jess O.
Access to water: Cabin campers particularly value waterfront locations. "A quiet camp ground on Ricker Pond, a motor free pond, is a wonderful way to spend the weekend. My favorite is to get sites 22 & 23 and have awesome water access, places to hang hammocks," states Hannah H.
Quiet natural settings: Most cabin sites in the region offer peaceful surroundings. "The sites on the pond are beautiful if you can get one! The campground has a small beach, boat launch and it's right on the Cross Vermont Trail. I stayed in October and it was really quiet and relaxing," reports Michele S. about Ricker Pond.
Off-grid experience: The limited connectivity appeals to many cabin campers. "There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly," warns Michele S. about Ricker Pond. This disconnected experience allows visitors to fully immerse in the natural environment.
What you should know
Cabin amenities vary significantly: Basic cabins typically have minimal furnishings. "The hives are set back from this area and behind other gardens, near a water source. There is a common area building on the property with Wi-Fi, a bathroom and a kitchen area," explains Heather C. about Art and Health Chill Camping.
Advance reservations required: Popular cabin sites fill quickly, especially waterfront locations. "This is a pretty small State Park, so it fills up quickly. The sites on the pond are beautiful if you can get one," advises Michele S.
Seasonal operation: Most cabin facilities close during winter months. "I stayed in October and it was really quiet and relaxing," notes one camper, though many state park facilities operate only from May through mid-October.
Shower facilities: Most locations feature coin-operated showers. "Clean facilities and proximity for exploring Stowe and surrounding areas," notes Scott B. about Mountain View Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with recreation options: Mountain View Campground offers numerous family-friendly amenities. "Amenities in the campground include a new bathhouse, laundry, playground, two swimming pools, hot tub, outdoor picnic pavilion, horseshoe pits, propane fill, well-stocked camp store, free 9-hole mini golf course, and 2 shuffleboard courts," details Nancy W.
Consider water access: Children enjoy waterfront cabin locations. "We stayed here in early August 2016 with friends and kids. The tent only loop is so private and perfect for kids biking and swimming. Nice pavilion and the pond was wonderful for canoes and kayaks," shares Rita M.
Cabin location matters: Select sites away from busy areas for better sleep. "The pace here is slow, even by campground standards, but this adds to the charm. A wide array of rustic cabins, lean-to shelters, and traditional tent campsites scattered throughout the park along the shores of Ricker Pond," explains Shari G.
Pack layers and rain gear: Vermont weather can change rapidly throughout the day, especially at higher elevations. Temperatures often drop significantly at night even during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Space considerations: Lazy Lions Campground accommodates both RVs and cabins. "Gravel roads and relatively level gravel sites. The FHUs were in good order. Slightly low water pressure. It was perfect for our needs," reports John T.
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads. "The entrance and camp store were full of broken wood, broken signs, and musty smells," warns one visitor about a nearby campground, highlighting the importance of researching access before arrival.
Hookup availability: Most cabin sites do not offer RV hookups, but some campgrounds provide both options. "Our site (#103) was long enough to fit our rig but we had to squeeze the car in front. The site was level and all the hookups were well-placed and worked fine," notes Nancy W.
Cell service limitations: "There is a common area building on the property with Wi-Fi, a bathroom and a kitchen area. We used it to check email and make phone calls, as cell access is spotty in this general area of Vermont and we didn't have a cell signal by our RV," explains Heather C.
